Job summary
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
The Diagnostics and Pathogen Characterisation (DPC) Division is based at Porton and has approximately 150 staff, focusing on key initial steps in the control of infections, namely pathogen identification, characterisation, and development of diagnostics.
Location
This is a Lab based role at our Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG lab.
*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*
Working Pattern - Full Time, Part Time, Flexible Working
Main duties of the job
The post holder will support research projects within the Virology and Pathogenesis group which may include, but is not limited to, evaluation of vaccines, therapeutics and novel inactivation methods, isolation, and characterisation of viruses from clinical, study and surveillance samples. The post will involve performing a broad range of microbiology and molecular biology assays relating to the analysis of viruses at ACDP Containment level 2. This job will include routine laboratory work, laboratory housekeeping and maintenance, recording and reporting of results and ensuring the work is carried out to high scientific, safety and quality standard.
The postholder will have relevant degree (or equivalent) and work experience in microbiology and/or virology laboratory environment and proven abilities to undertake a broad range of standard laboratory techniques. The post holder will need good communication skills and ability to work in a team. A high degree of flexibility is expected, as the post holder will work across the Virology and Pathogenesis group.
About us
Working for the UKHSA
For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- Range of health and wellbeing support
Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform a range standard methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aimed to ensure project deliverables are met on time and within budget
- Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for project area
- Take responsibility for laboratory housekeeping and supervision of a V&P laboratory following necessary training
- Provide data to input into reports, to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications
- Ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard.
- To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade
- To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with applicable UKHSA Safety and Quality systems
- To maintain health and safety competence
- To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and the Civil Service Code.
- To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.
The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and UKHSA.
It should be noted that the work of the department is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
Selection process details
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you meet this.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.
STAGE 2 INTERVIEW
This competition will involve a face-to-face interview.
As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.
Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).
You will also be asked to provide information within the Employer/ Activity history section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.
The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
For further information on the selection process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 15th of October 2023 unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Shortlist: w/c 16th of October 2023
Interviews: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 750 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience mentioned here in the Person Specification section.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform a range standard methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aimed to ensure project deliverables are met on time and within budget
- Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for project area
- Take responsibility for laboratory housekeeping and supervision of a V&P laboratory following necessary training
- Provide data to input into reports, to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications
- Ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard.
- To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade
- To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with applicable UKHSA Safety and Quality systems
- To maintain health and safety competence
- To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and the Civil Service Code.
- To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.
The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and UKHSA.
It should be noted that the work of the department is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
Selection process details
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you meet this.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.
STAGE 2 INTERVIEW
This competition will involve a face-to-face interview.
As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.
Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).
You will also be asked to provide information within the Employer/ Activity history section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.
The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
For further information on the selection process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 15th of October 2023 unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Shortlist: w/c 16th of October 2023
Interviews: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 750 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience mentioned here in the Person Specification section.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Degree (or equivalent) and relevant experience in a microbiology topic/environment.
Desirable
- Good knowledge and practical familiarity with techniques for project i.e., basic virology, cell culture, RT-PCR.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a microbiology/molecular biology laboratory.
- Good understanding and experience of safe working practices and quality.
- Good communication skills.
- Self-motivating, organized & meticulous.
- Able to work flexibly to meet varying needs.
- Willing to undertake further training.
- Demonstrated ability to work in teams and independently.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- Degree (or equivalent) and relevant experience in a microbiology topic/environment.
Desirable
- Good knowledge and practical familiarity with techniques for project i.e., basic virology, cell culture, RT-PCR.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working in a microbiology/molecular biology laboratory.
- Good understanding and experience of safe working practices and quality.
- Good communication skills.
- Self-motivating, organized & meticulous.
- Able to work flexibly to meet varying needs.
- Willing to undertake further training.
- Demonstrated ability to work in teams and independently.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
